ice

Many news outlets reported over the weekend and through the day Monday about how Lake Superior was approaching almost full ice coverage for a second year in a row. Things certainly have changed a lot in a day.

With colder than normal weather and ice developing on area lakes sooner than usual, the temptation to venture out on area lakes has many folks itching to head out and enjoy some frozen-water sports. Officials caution enthusiasts that while it has been cold and ice is present, ice thicknesses are still on the low end on many lakes.

Waking up to temperatures near zero degrees this morning made it feel a lot more like January than mid-November. Beside making us all dream of warmer weather, those unseasonably cold temperatures are leading to abnormally early ice on the greatest of the Great Lakes as well.

With the unseasonably early cold weather and early formation of ice on area lakes, anglers (me included) are getting the itch to get out and do some early-season ice fishing as soon as possible. While the surface of many smaller inland lakes may be nearly fully covered in a layer of ice, that doesn't mean it's safe to head out quite yet.

For those who don't know, I am a graduate of Bemidji State University - home of the mighty Beavers. On a few different occasions during the morning show, I've talked about how students at BSU would use Lake Bemidji as a parking lot when they were heading to class. Every time I've told stories about this, people don't believe me - even people who grew up in the region. Finally, I can say I have proof!

Cold and windy conditions and ice still covering many Minnesota lakes made fishing opener an uneventful day for many anglers. While ice hampered fishing plans, it also damaged buildings along the shore of Lake Mille Lacs.

The main topic of conversation anywhere this time of year seems to be the weather. I myself have to catch myself before I start complaining about the cold or impending snow storm, but I still do it anyway.

The Twin Ports is experiencing its first sustained subzero temperatures in more than a few years, and with the cold weather warnings and school closings have followed. While these conditions are inconvenient and even potentially dangerous, a little fun can be found in it all.

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